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Decisionmaking Skills That Encompass a Critical Thinking Orientation for Law Enforcement Professionals

NCJ Number
227281
Journal
International Journal of Police Science and Management Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: Summer 2009 Pages: 141-149
Author(s)
Wesley E. Phillips Jr.; Darrell Norman Burrell
Date Published
2009
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the challenges and benefits of engaging in critical thinking skills for law enforcement professionals and the importance of sound decisionmaking in the wake of emerging global threats.
Abstract
Critical thinking skills can be learned with practice and guidance by changing the actions involved in decisionmaking so that they become part of the permanent behavior of law enforcement professionals engaged in the most complex aspects of threat protection and technology-driven law enforcement activities. To minimize or get rid of terrorist threats, the development of critical thinking skills in homeland security risk management has never been more vital. Also, critical thinking skills in law enforcement and public safety should involve thinking of different scenarios and weighing probable solutions for every situation. Critical thinking skills are inevitably becoming a new business function for all types of organizations. Traditional management methodologies of some law enforcement agencies may be antiquated, dictating the fact that organizational development/change may be necessary. Critical thinking skills can prove to be necessary for law enforcement professionals in acquiring new ways of thinking more proficiently and becoming more proactive in combating traditional violent crimes and more modern crimes, such as terrorism, organized crime, and cyber crime. References and appendix